Celebrate Heritage Day (and Braai Day) with Purpose!

This Heritage Day — Thursday, 24 September 2026— South Africans will be firing up the braais to celebrate their heritage, and we’re inviting you to kick off the celebrations with a heart-pumping run or walk for a great cause…The GRATITUDE Run 2026! Join Distance For Difference (D4D) at the breathtaking Dornier Wines for a very special edition of The GRATITUDE Run, as we not only honour our heritage but also mark D4D’s 21st year of making a difference!

Whether you’re a serious runner or a casual walker, this event is all about gratitude, giving back and good vibes. All proceeds (after direct expenses) will go directly to D4D’s mission of supporting children’s charities such as Tzadokah Foster Home, Sylvia’s House, Kingdom Kids, Esther van Zyl Foster Care, Joya Homes and many more.

So lace up your running shoes, bring your braai spirit – and let’s make The GRATITUDE Run 2026 one to remember!

 

You can choose one of four ways to participate:

 

1.    5km FUN RUN / WALK

 

Young and old are invited to join in the fun! You can either choose to run or walk the 5km and set your own pace! 

Online Entry Fee: R135 (Adults – 12 years & older), R75 (Children under 12 years)

Late On The Day Entry Fee: R150 (Adults – 12 years & older), R90 (Children under 12 years)

Starting Time: 08h00

 

2.    10km TRAIL RUN

 

This one is for all trail running enthusiasts. Come and experience the beautiful route and trails on Dornier Wines. It promises to be an interesting mix! No children under the age of 14, will be allowed to participate in this Trail Run. Actual distance = approx. 10.6km

Online Entry Fee: R220

Late Entry Fee: R240

Starting Time: 07h30

 

3.   20km TRAIL RUN

A half marathon you will not forget! This one is for all trail running enthusiasts who want to go the extra mile, literally! Come and experience the beautiful 10km trail route at Dornier Wines – twice! You will be doing two loops of the 10km trail route, giving you two chances to take in all the beauty around you. Please note: no children under the age of 14 will be allowed to participate in this Trail Run.

UPDATE: After numerous requests we have upgraded the 20km Trail Run to full half marathon distance, ie 21.1km for this year’s event. (We will officially market it as a half marathon trail run in 2027)

Online Entry Fee: R260

Late Entry Fee: R280

Starting Time: 07h00

4. 3 x 4 x 5 | TEAM RELAY RUN

The GRATITUDE Run welcomes back a classic and favourite category! Runners enter as a team (3, 4 or preferably 5 members per team). Team members will run laps of 3km each. The challenge for teams will be to complete as many 3km laps as possible in the allotted time period, i.e., 4 hours (07h45 – 11h45). Nominate a team captain, decide on a cool name & theme for your team and bring along heaps of team spirit!

There are 3 categories to choose from:

MEN Only Team

WOMEN Only Team

MIXED Team (At least 1 woman in a 3-member team and 2 women in a 4- or 5-member team).

Teams are encourage to involve non-runners, family, friends and/or companies, by having them sponsor your team. This way we can ALL show GRATITUDE and reach our fundraising target of R250,000 to change the lives of children.

It is all about team work and supporting your team mates, while they are soaking in the exquisite surrounds of the beautiful Dornier Wines. There will be live music, prizes, lucky draws, enthusiastic athletes and sponsors supporting a worthy cause!

Online Entry fee: R850 per team

Starting Time: 07h45

Race Number Collections: You can pick up your race number at times and venues that will be confirmed* and communicated closer to the event (only if you have bought your ticket online (via Quicket) BEFORE THURSDAY 17 September @ 18h00). After that all entrants must pick up there numbers on the morning of the event from 06h00 at the registration tables. Be there 40 mins before the start of your race.

*Confirmed Number Collection Location, Dates and Times:

• Saturday, 19 September @ Sportsmans Warehouse in SOMERSET WEST from 09h00 until 13h00
• Sunday, 20 September @ Sportsmans Warehouse in SOMERSET WEST from 09h00 until 12h00

T-shirts: Our beautiful blue moisture management GRATITUDE Run T-shirts will be for sale at the number pick-up points and at the D4D Merchandise Table on the morning of the event.

It is not joy that makes us GRATEFUL, it is GRATITUDE that makes us JOYFUL!

 

Please note that PARKING on the farm is limited. To ensure a smoother experience for everyone, we encourage carpooling or using services like Uber, to help reduce the number of vehicles on site. Thank you for your cooperation in this regard!

For more information follow us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/D4DSA , Instagram @ distance4difference , visit our website @ www.d4dsa.co.za or email Caro Pieterse at distance4difference@gmail.com.

 

Watch this short video of last year’s event at Dornier Wines:

We hope to welcome you to The Gratitude Run community soon!